Dancing Out In Space
David Bowie Lyrics


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Cutting through the water
Hands upon the ghost
To the city of solid iron
Through the kingdom of the boats
Send your friend away now
Let him sail back home tonight

Something like religion
Dancing face to face
Something like a drowning
Dancing out in space

No-one here can see you
Dancing face to face
No-one here can beat you
Dancing out in space

Silent as Georges Rodenbach
Mist and silhouette
Girl, you move like water
You’ve got stars upon your head
You’ve got my name and number
You've got to take the floor

Something like religion
Dancing face to face
Something like a drowning
Dancing out in space

No-one here can see you
Dancing face to face
No-one here can beat you
Dancing out in space

Dancing face to face
Dancing out in space

Dancing face to face
Dancing out in space





Dancing face to face
Dancing out in space

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Dancing out in Space" by David Bowie are a surreal, dream-like description of a person dancing alone in a strange, ethereal space. The first two lines, "Cutting through the water / Hands upon the ghost," suggest the dancer is moving through a fluid or intangible substance, perhaps in a spiritual or otherworldly realm. The next two lines, "To the city of solid iron / Through the kingdom of the boats," introduce a sense of movement or journey, as if the dancer is traveling through a strange landscape to reach a destination.


The chorus of the song, "Something like religion / Dancing face to face / Something like a drowning / Dancing out in space," uses religious imagery to describe the intense, transcendent experience of the dancer. The dancer's movements are compared to drowning, suggesting a loss of control or surrender to the moment. The repeated refrain of "No one here can see you / Dancing face to face / No one here can beat you / Dancing out in space" reinforces the idea that the dancer is alone in this otherworldly space, free to express themselves without judgment or criticism.


The final verse, "Silent as Georges Rodenbach / Mist and silhouette / Girl, you move like water / You’ve got stars upon your head / You’ve got my name and number / You've got to take the floor," continues the surreal, poetic language of the rest of the song. The name-drop of Belgian writer Georges Rodenbach adds to the sense of mystery and strange beauty. The girl's movements are again compared to water, emphasizing their fluidity and grace. Bowie's mention of his own name and number suggests a personal connection to the dancer, but also reinforces the idea of reaching out to someone who is dancing alone.


Line by Line Meaning

Cutting through the water
Moving quickly through life's obstacles


Hands upon the ghost
Feeling disconnected from reality


To the city of solid iron
Going to a place that's tough and unyielding


Through the kingdom of the boats
Navigating through a sea of competition


Send your friend away now, Let him sail back home tonight
Achieving success on your own and moving forward


Something like religion, Dancing face to face
Experiencing a powerful connection with someone while dancing


Something like a drowning, Dancing out in space
Feeling lost or overwhelmed while dancing


No-one here can see you, Dancing face to face
Dancing with someone intimately in private


No-one here can beat you, Dancing out in space
Feeling invincible and free while dancing alone


Silent as Georges Rodenbach, Mist and silhouette
Being present but invisible to others


Girl, you move like water, You’ve got stars upon your head
Being fluid and otherworldly in your movements


You’ve got my name and number, You've got to take the floor
Being bold and taking control of the situation


Dancing face to face, Dancing out in space
Experiencing the duality of dancing with someone and dancing alone




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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